What is a 5 year Consolidated Plan?

What Is a 5-Year Consolidated Plan?

A 5-Year Consolidated Plan is a federally required planning document that guides how a community will invest certain U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds over a five-year period. It serves as both a strategic roadmap and a community accountability tool, ensuring that federal resources are used to address the most pressing local needs.

For the City, the Consolidated Plan covers a five-year timeframe and establishes priorities for housing, community development, and services for residents with low and moderate incomes.

Purpose of the Consolidated Plan

The Consolidated Plan helps the community:

  • Identify priority housing and community development needs

  • Set goals and strategies to address those needs

  • Guide how federal funding will be allocated each year

  • Ensure compliance with federal requirements

  • Align housing, infrastructure, and service investments with community priorities

The plan is required in order for the City to receive and use federal funding such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

What the Plan Covers

The 5-Year Consolidated Plan focuses on several key areas, including:

  • Housing needs (affordability, availability, condition, and displacement risk)

  • Community development needs (infrastructure, public facilities, and neighborhood improvements)

  • Homelessness and housing stability

  • Economic opportunity and access to services

  • Fair housing and equity

The plan uses a combination of data analysis, community input, and stakeholder engagement to determine priorities.

Connection to Other Housing Planning Efforts

The Consolidated Plan is closely aligned with the Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) and Housing Action Plan (HAP). Findings from the Housing Needs Assessment help identify priority needs, while strategies in the Housing Action Plan inform how funding and programs can be targeted over the five-year period.

By coordinating these efforts, the City ensures that federal investments are data-driven, locally informed, and aligned with broader housing strategies.

Community Participation

Public engagement is a required and essential part of the Consolidated Plan process. Residents and stakeholders are invited to participate through:

  • Public meetings and open houses

  • Community surveys

  • Focus groups and stakeholder discussions

  • Public review and comment periods

Community feedback directly influences the priorities and goals outlined in the plan.

How the Plan Is Used

Once adopted, the 5-Year Consolidated Plan:

  • Guides annual funding decisions

  • Establishes measurable goals and outcomes

  • Helps track progress and report results to HUD

  • Serves as a foundation for future housing and community development initiatives

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